Page 352 - DENG504_LINGUISTICS

Linguistics Digvijay Pandya, Lovely Professional University

Notes
Unit 28: Transformational Generative Grammar

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
28.1 Generative Grammar
28.2 Transformational-Generative Grammar
28.3 Systemic Grammar
28.4 Case Grammar
28.5 Stratificational Grammar
28.6 Tagmemics
28.7 Summary
28.8 Key-Words
28.9 Review Questions
28.10 Further Readings
Objectives

After studying this unit students will be able to:
• Discuss Transformational Generative Grammar.
• Explain Systemic Grammar.
• Know Stratificational Grammar.
Introduction

We have already seen the rise of structuralism and how did it spread itself in the different fields of
study. The rise of American structuralism gave way to the generative grammar which was different
from that of structuralism. The later development of thoughts and discussion in the generative
grammar lead to the evolution of Transformational Generative Grammar.
Let us now take a look at the generative framework of grammar, and how it differs with the theory of
structuralism, and also a brief look at the Transformational Generative Grammar.
28.1 Generative Grammar

The generative approach towards the description of language was introduced in 1957 with the
publication of Noam Chomsky’s Syntactic Structure. Generative approaches include meaning in the
study of language, and look for patterned relationships between “deep” structures of meaning and
“surface” structures of linguistic forms actually used by the speaker.
Principal Goals: The principle goal of generative approach towards language (generative grammar)
can be summed up as following:
1. The elements of universal nature, which contribute in making up the grammar of a particular
language, should be characterised in formal terms.
2. Grammar of different languages should be characterised by formal statements.
28.2 Transformational-Generative Grammar

The name ‘Transformational-Generative’ suggests that there are two aspects of the theory. The
grammar it provides is both ‘transformational’ and ‘generative’. These two aspects are not logically
dependent upon each other, though the theory gains plausibility from the interaction of the two.
Hence it is necessary to understand these two terms.

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